After showing big-play ability in 2013 when he averaged 5.5 yards per carry, Ellington gained only 3.3 YPC last year. He set career highs in carries (201), rushing yards (660), catches (46), receiving yards (395) and TDs (five) while playing just 12 games. And he ran on an injured foot the entire time. His season ended in Week 13 because of a hip injury that was later classified as a sport hernia and required surgery. Ellington had eight straight games last year with at least 20 touches, but he didn't have one 100-yard performance on the ground. His best outing came in Week 5 when he accumulated 144 total yards and two scores. The addition of David Johnson will certainly cut into his snaps and touches this year. Ellington will see almost all of the action on passing downs and third downs. I expect him to lose the short-yardage and goal-line carries. The Cardinals ran the ball only 397 times in 2014, which somewhat limits Ellington's upside without better play by the offensive line. I'm sure Arizona would like to give Andre 15 touches per game, which works out to 240 for the year. He should be in position to gain 1,200 yards with 50-plus catches and a handful of touchdowns. Ellington can be a mid-range RB2. He has an ADP of 50 in the early draft season, making him the 18th RB selected.

Arizona Cardinals RB Andre Ellington

Latest Update

Cardinals running back Andre Ellington broke down last season and wasn't nearly as efficient as a feature back as he was as a complementary piece. Despite his struggles in 2014, head coach Bruce Arians claims he still views Ellington as a back that will get 20 touches per game this season. He will see touches both on the ground and through the air. However, the team also drafted David Johnson this season to help lighten the load on Ellington this year.

Fantasy Analysis:

It's doubtful Ellington sees 20 touches per game this year. If he does, it's even less likely that he holds up for a full 16-game season. Johnson could see a much heavier workload than expected this season. Ellington is currently being drafted as the RB23 based on his ADP (52.59). While he certainly has RB23 upside, he is a major risk this early. He is a risk due to a potential decrease in touches and durability questions. He has a lot more value if he drops to the seventh or even eighth round.